OPINION
Leeds played out the first game of the post-Saiz era and fans were not at all impressed with his replacement.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa decided to give a start to Chelsea loanee Lewis Baker, with Kalvin Phillips back in the centre of defence.
Adam Forshaw moved up into the more progressive midfield position.
The only trouble is, it didn’t work at all.
Baker has been hugely disappointing since his move from West London in the summer but Bielsa must have thought he would grasp today’s opportunity with both hands.
Baker had a real shot at claiming a regular starting spot with Samu Saiz in Spain for a medical and having played his last game for the club.
On this evidence though, Bielsa is going to have to think again about his starting XI for the future.
And we think Aapo Halme at the back, with Kalvin Phillips ahead of him, is a much better option going forward.
Many Leeds fans agree with us after watching Baker play today, as did Bielsa, who hooked him off for Jack Clarke after 45 minutes:
Clarke and Bamford for Baker and Alioski, sick saying it ? #lufc
— Barry Dunne (@BazDunne) December 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/ThommHol/status/1073968727161495552
I’d be happy to send baker back and sign a different Loan players he’s absolutely terrible, there was a reason he couldn’t get a game for Middlesbrough. Get Clarke on at half time #lufc
— Callum Macdonald (@Cal_lufc) December 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/MarLeFost/status/1073968519904149504
Baker is very, very poor! #LUFC
— Recon (@llReconll) December 15, 2018
Forshaw and Baker have been dire this half. #lufc
— Aran (@AranLeeds) December 15, 2018
Stop whining Baker, huge opportunity today put a bit of effort in #lufc
— Zoe Cooper (@zoecooper94) December 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/davetownend84/status/1073966018140274690
Struggling to see what Baker adds to the world of football #LUFC
— Relegation Clause FC (@MMMMMNoodleSoup) December 15, 2018
Baker just aimlessly runs around in midfield rather than playing as number 10. Roofe left completely exposed up front as a result. #lufc
— Aran (@AranLeeds) December 15, 2018
Baker have a ‘mare so far, Jack Clarke at HT please Marcelo pal… #lufc
— Ryan Digings (@KidArafan) December 15, 2018
Lewis Baker is genuinely the most lazy player I have ever seen also one of the worst on the ball #LUFC
— Christian Wickham (@ChristianWickh7) December 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/boothjosh93/status/1073965257100541954
What does Halme have to do to get a start? why wait until we concede a goal, get Phillips back in midfield and get rid of Baker.
(that way Baker can leave the ground nice and early)#lufc— MarkT ?? (@Markthd6) December 15, 2018